Edinburgh Napier University

  Postnatal buggy walking is an accessible activity for new mothers, but there has been limited assessment of its impact on wellbeing in healthy postnatal populations or on community based health services. This evaluation explored women's perceptions of the effect of participating in health visitor-led postnatal buggy walk groups and of health visitor involvement. A mixed methods approach was used comprising surveys, focus groups and individual interviews. Findings indicate that health visitor-led group buggy walks are an innovative, asset-based approach to health care. Mothers perceived that participation improved their wellbeing, helped them cope with parenting and enabled them to develop important supportive social networks. The health visitor facilitated first attendance, incentivised continuation and provided women with an accessible health resource.